More

Report: Connecticut OT Spending Dropped $33 Million

(Courtesy Department of Social Services)(Courtesy Department of Social Services)

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBS Connecticut and AP) – A new legislative report shows overtime spending for Connecticut state employees dropped nearly $33 million during the first 11 months of the last fiscal year, which ended June 30.

The report from the General Assembly’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis, released Thursday, shows overtime spending was reduced from $237.6 million to approximately $204.7 million.

There’s been a push to reduce the state’s overtime spending to help balance Connecticut’s budget. Democratic Sen. Beth Bye, co-chairwoman of the legislature’s budget-writing committee, says the reduction is impressive considering there are now 5 percent fewer state workers.

Five state agencies account for 90 percent of overtime spending from the state’s general fund. They include the Departments of Correction, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Developmental Services, Children and Families and Emergency Services and Public Protection.